[Not A Snowbird]

I see. Well, I wouldn't put Rick Warren and Saddleback in quite the same category as, say, the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove. That church is horribly commercial and Rick would never allow his church to become anything like that, or anything like the televised services you see on Sunday mornings.

To each his own, of course. Everybody has a different comfort level and meets God in a different place. That said, I would encourage anybody visiting Southern California to go one time to Saddleback, just to talk to people, walk the grounds, and see what they are about. You might be surprised, but if it's not for you then that's fine.

I attended Saddleback for four years and was active in the orchestra ministry before I moved to Washington. This church is not about money or prestige (Rick hates talking about money), it's about winning souls to Christ. And they do it very well.

[CARepubGal]

Crystal Cathedral: Ugh! Rick is not in the same category as that horror (I put Schuller and the Crouches in the Benny Hinn group of slime). My issue with Saddleback is this: Rick uses a business model rather than simply teaching the Word of God. i can go back for an MBA if I want to hear about business models and success being defined in worldly terms. And frankly, the one size fits all mentality paired with the coveyesque teachings (Covey is a devout Mormon) is a cause for concern.

Megachurches can be excellent John MacArthur has a church in Sun Valley, CA that is scripturally sound. Saddleback is a consumer focused business.

[luckymom]

It's so good to have your input to this discussion having been in the Saddleback community yourself. I would like to attend a service when I'm in that area, and I find it interesting when people make such rash judgements against a growing and thriving Christian church without ever having stepped in the door! Welcome to Seattle, you might try City church in Kirkland. I've never been there, but had the pleasure of hearing one of their musicians. If the church is as good as she was...! See www.thecity.org